Will Magnesuim Sulfate Help Tomato Plants Grow?

Tomato plant roots compete for the magnesium and sulfur hidden within the soil.

Sixteen necessary nutrients must be readily available in the atmosphere and soil for tomato plants to grow healthy and tall. In fact, two secondary elements, magnesium and sulfur, are commonly found in soils for root uptake. However, these elements may need nutrient supplementation for the best growing results. Magnesium sulfate, often packaged under the name Epsom salts, offers both important elements combined for a balanced garden ecosystem.

Elements' Role

Magnesium plays a vital role in the tomato plant's sugar processing. Photosynthesis cannot operate correctly without proper metabolism. In fact, seed germination may not occur at all with a magnesium deficiency. On the other hand, sulfur processes proteins and contributes to chlorophyll production for lush fruit and foliage growth. Adding magnesium sulfate to a deficient garden allows the tomato plants to regain their nutritional balance for successful fruiting.

Applied to Soil

Naturally occurring calcium and potassium in soil often interfere with magnesium uptake through the tomato plant's roots; your balanced soil nutrients do not nourish the plants correctly and lead to yellowing leaves. Applying magnesium sulfate to the soil brings the elements directly to the root system. As the magnesium rapidly diffuses into the soil, the tomato plant roots eagerly absorb the nutrient. If you have known issues of magnesium deficiency in the garden, you can apply approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of magnesium sulfate to each plant hole for the best tomato growth, as tomatoes need high magnesium concentrations for normal fruiting.

Sprayed on Foliage

Magnesium sulfate has the added benefit of dissolving into water for a spray application. Adding magnesium sulfate directly to the foliage with a spray bottle allows you to bypass any elemental competition within the soil. In fact, the leaves absorb the nutrients through their stomata so that the chlorophyll cells are immediately impacted by the nutrient supplementation. As a result, leaves grow greener and more lush with higher fruit yields. In general, you should spray your tomato plants once a month with magnesium sulfate; one gallon of water with 2 tablespoons of magnesium sulfate is a simple concentration that helps the tomatoes stay fruitful and healthy.

Timing

A soil nutrient test kit is your best friend during the latter portion of the tomato growing season. The magnesium in the soil may be depleted at this point while the plant develops yellowing and stress. Periodic soil testing helps you determine if a more frequent application of magnesium sulfate is needed. Using the test kit and simple observation prevents undue stress so that the plant does not become stunted or drop fruit.

About the Author

Writing professionally since 2010, Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home. With an electronics degree and more than 10 years of experience, she applies her love of gadgets to the gardening world as she continues her education through college classes and gardening activities.